While the rest of the world is undergoing dynamic change – genomics, democratisation in Southwest Asia, digitalisation, the rise of Chindia, the development of alternative energy such as solar – prisons are often considered static. They are hidden away from the eyes of the public unless there is a prison escape or if someone released on parole reoffends. However, prisons and policing are also in the process of radical restructuring. Generally the debate in this restructuring has been between rehabilitation, humanizing the prisons, and punishment, seeking stricter and longer punishment for offenders. But the external changes through the field of genomics, ecological design and through soft technologies such as meditation, yoga and biopsychology are changing prisons as well. Moreover, prisons themselves are being seen as organisations and thus in need of strategic planning, and indeed, some correctional facilities are attempting to become learning organisations, reflecting on their alternative futures and their desired visions. Based on literature regarding prisons and foresight workshops with correctional and police leaders, alternative futures of prisons are explored.

Relation

The law of the future and the future of law / Muller, S, Zouridis, S, Frishman, M, Kistemaker, L (eds): pp.695-708